Plans for one of Caney’s biggest annual events, Mayfest, are coming together, and Jackie Freisberg, Mayfest director, said the event promises a little something for everyone. The Caney Lions Club is the sponsor of the annual Caney celebration, along with the help of other volunteers and organizations who host various activities which will take place May 27-29.

Following is a list of Mayfest activities for the public to enjoy. Most events will take place at Wark Memorial Park, on Fourth Avenue or downtown Caney.

• Lewellen Amusement Carnival: The Lewellen Amusement Carnival will again be back with a variety of carnival rides and will  be ready for action Thursday and Friday nights, May 27-28, with their special priced “wristband” nights, 6 to 10 p.m. The cost is $20 per person, each night, and you can ride as many rides as you desire for that price. On Saturday, May 29, the rides will be regular price. The Lewellen Amusement Carnival is not a stranger to Caney, having set up rides here for a number of years. They will be located at Wark Memorial Park.

• Friday Free Concert: A band will present a free concert at the Caney City tennis courts Friday evening, May 28, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Those attending should bring lawn chairs for seating.

• Vendors: Crafts and food vendors will begin setting up their wares on Friday and Saturday, also in Wark Park, and Freisberg said there are about 20 arts and crafts vendors and around six food vendors who have signed up as of May 18. She said it is not too late to host a booth at Mayfest. Freisberg can be reached at 918-440-4582 to rent a booth space or for questions concerning Mayfest.

• Pancake breakfast:     The Caney Masonic Lodge #324 will host its annual Mayfest pancake breakfast at the lodge hall on Hwy. 75 starting at 8 a.m. A nominal fee is charged for the breakfast.

• Turtle Races: A big hit every year are the turtle races which will be held at the Bank of America parking lot beginning at 11 a.m. Find your turtles and bring ‘em to the races on Saturday.

• Caney Lions Club Mobile Screening: In addition to the carnival and vendors, Saturday’s action will include the Caney Lions Club mobile screening unit which will be located at the park from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free screenings for eyes, hearing, blood pressure, blood sugar and field of vision will be administered. Call 620-252-5024 for more information.

• 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament: A 3 on 3 basketball tournament will be held at the City basketball courts across from the park. Tony Hurd is the tournament director and registration will be held at 10 a.m. with a cost of $10 to enter. Team rotations will be decided after all teams have registered. A trophy will be awarded to the winners at the end of the tournament. Those participating should remember to wear proper shoes to play in and must bring their own refreshments.

Call 620-306-1531 or 879-2244 for more information.

• Live Music: Live music will be presented at the park on Saturday at 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.

• Chamber’s 50-50 Jackpot: The Caney Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a 50/50 pot and tickets can be currently purchased at Arvest Bank, Community National Bank or the chamber office, or on Saturday, May 29 at the chamber’s information table located in the park. The winner will be announced at 3 p.m.

• Dog Show: The First Annual Fun Dog Show, sponsored by the Caney Valley Historical Society, will take place at 9:30 a.m. at the historical society museum, downtown Caney. All types of dogs are welcome with six categories of competition: Cutest, Ugliest, Tallest, Smallest, Best Talent or Trick and Best Dressed. Dogs may be entered in as many categories as the owner wishes, and there is no registration fee, however donations are welcome. All dogs must be on a leash and friendly around other dogs and people. No other types of pets may be brought to the show except the competing dogs.

Winners of each category will receive an award. Organizers said the show will be lots of fun and it is for all ages of dogs and owners. For more information contact 620-879-5131.

• Balloon Drop: The Caney Valley Historical Society will sponsor a balloon drop at 12:30 p.m. at one of the buildings in the museum complex in downtown Caney. Small prizes will be awarded to those who capture a balloon. Kids are invited to attend and test their “ balloon catching” abilities.

• Quilt Show: The Caney Valley Historical Society Quilt Show will showcase a variety of quilts in the Wallar Building (museum building) on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sunday and Monday from 1 to 4 p.m. Quilts will not be judged but prizes will be awarded first, second and third in Best of Show with the voting done by visitors to the event. There is no charge to enter and you may submit more than one quilt. Quilts will be received at the building Monday,  May 24, through Thursday, May 27, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• Peru Muzzleloaders: Several re-enactors from the Peru Muzzleloaders Club will set up a fur traders’ camp and will be present Friday and Saturday on the lawn west of Arvest Bank on Fourth Avenue. The re-enactors will represent the pre-1840s era. You are invited to stop by, view the camp and visit with the re-enactors. There will also be a display of rifles. Louie Ross and Bill Ross, sons of Alpha Ross, Caney, will be re-enactors at the camp.

• Raffle for Caney painting: Raffle tickets are currently being sold at the Caney Valley Historical Museum for a hand-painted picture depicting a 1940s downtown Caney street scene. Jessica Holeman, local Caney artist, painted and donated the picture with proceeds to be divided between the Mayfest Committee and the Caney Valley Historical Society. The drawing for the painting will be held at 4 p.m., Monday, May 31, at the museum, downtown Caney. Tickets are $1 each or 6 for $5.

• Caney Historical Society Food Booth: Members of the Caney Historical Society will serve hot dogs, chips, cookies and lemonade or ice water from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the lawn of the Little White Schoolhouse, Fourth Avenue. The cost is $3 for the meal or buy separately for $1.50 for a hot dog and 50¢ each for chips, cookies and drink.

• Car Show: The Mayfest Car Show will be located one block north of the park and will start at 10 a.m. Call Tom or Toni Scimeca,  show directors, at 620-879-2215 for information or to register your car. In past years, this car show has always showcased many antique and classic vehicles and is a crowd-pleaser.

For food, crafts, cars, contests, displays and much more, be sure to attend Caney’s Mayfest celebration on May 27-29.

Several other events are also being held during the Mayfest-Memorial Day weekend. See separate stories in this issue for details.